The World Cup 2026 Group G preview and teams serves up one of the most Africa-relevant clashes of the entire tournament. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah faces Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne. Belgium are heavy favourites to top the group, but the second spot is a genuine three-way battle between Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. Group G runs from 15 to 26 June across Seattle, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. Here is everything you need to know.
The Four Teams in Group G
Belgium (FIFA Ranking: 8) arrive as clear favourites one of Europe’s most experienced sides with a golden generation making what looks like a final World Cup bow. Egypt (Ranking: 34) are the CAF representatives, back at the World Cup for the first time since 2018, led by the continent’s most iconic player. Iran (Ranking: 20) are no strangers to this stage this is their seventh World Cup and they are organised and difficult to beat. New Zealand (Ranking: 86) return for their third World Cup appearance and will play the role of plucky underdogs hoping to shock the group.
Full Group G Fixture Schedule
- Monday 15 June: Belgium vs Egypt — Lumen Field, Seattle
- Monday 15 June: Iran vs New Zealand — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- Sunday 21 June: Belgium vs Iran — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- Sunday 21 June: New Zealand vs Egypt — BC Place, Vancouver
- Friday 26 June: Egypt vs Iran — Lumen Field, Seattle
- Friday 26 June: New Zealand vs Belgium — BC Place, Vancouver
The top two teams advance automatically to the Round of 32. The eight best third-placed teams across all twelve groups also progress so a good third-place record could keep Egypt, Iran, or New Zealand alive even if they miss second place.
Belgium: The Favourites Carrying the Weight of an Unfinished Story
Belgium have been knocking on the door for over a decade. Third place in 2018. Group stage exit in 2022. This is likely the last chance for what was once ranked the best team in the world to finally win something major.
Coach Rudi Garcia has named a squad that balances veteran leadership with Premier League firepower. Kevin De Bruyne, now 34 and operating as a number 10 at Napoli, is fit and expected to start every game his passing range and football intelligence remain world-class. Romelu Lukaku (also at Napoli) was a fitness gamble by Garcia after a season wrecked by muscle injuries, but Belgium’s all-time top scorer with 89 international goals brings too much experience to leave out. Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid is still one of the best goalkeepers on the planet. Captain Youri Tielemans, who just lifted the UEFA Europa League with Aston Villa, leads the midfield alongside Amadou Onana. Jeremy Doku at Manchester City brings 21 goal contributions from this season his pace is a genuine weapon.
Belgium are favourites to win Group G in over half of pre-tournament simulations. They should qualify. The question is whether they have the hunger and cohesion to go all the way in the knockouts.
Key player: Kevin De Bruyne. At 34 and at his final World Cup, De Bruyne will be determined to write a different ending for this Belgian generation. When he is on form, Belgium are a different team entirely.
Egypt: Salah’s Last Chance to Conquer the World Stage
For African and Nigerian fans, this group is personal. Egypt carry the hopes of the continent, and Mohamed Salah carries Egypt. The 33-year-old Liverpool captain enters the tournament having scored nine goals in qualifying more than any other player in his group. He sits just two goals behind his own coach Hossam Hassan’s Egyptian all-time scoring record of 69.
Salah’s 33rd birthday falls on 15 June the same day Egypt open against Belgium in Seattle. If there is a man motivated to deliver a birthday gift to himself and to Africa, it is him.
Coach Hossam Hassan has built his squad around two elite attackers. Omar Marmoush of Manchester City is the second prong a striker who broke into elite European football this season. Eight of the squad’s players come from Egyptian champions Al Ahly, giving the team strong domestic cohesion. There is also a wildcard: 18-year-old Hamza Abdel Karim, on loan from Al Ahly to Barcelona’s reserve team, is one of the youngest players at the entire tournament.
Egypt have never won a match at a World Cup in the modern era. That record defines the scale of the challenge and the size of the opportunity. The Pharaohs have enough quality to reach the Round of 32 if they can hold their nerve against Belgium and edge past New Zealand on 21 June.
Key player: Mohamed Salah. When Salah is in this mood, on this stage, anything is possible. Egypt’s entire campaign flows through him.
Iran: Organised, Experienced, and Dangerous on the Counter
Iran are making their seventh World Cup appearance and they know exactly how to make life difficult for bigger opponents. Their squad is built on discipline and collective organisation, anchored by experienced striker Mehdi Taremi — now at Olympiakos — and midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi. Iran have never advanced beyond the group stage but they are competitive enough to take points off anyone on a good day.
Their campaign carries an added dimension: all three group matches are played in the United States, against the backdrop of longstanding geopolitical tensions between the two countries. The pressure is there. But Iranian football has shown before that pressure can also fuel performance.
Iran’s realistic target is second place. Their opener against New Zealand on 15 June is the must-win fixture. If they take three points from that game, they are alive in the race for qualification. A draw or loss, and the group gets very complicated very quickly.
Key player: Mehdi Taremi. The striker has been Iran’s most reliable goal threat for years. He needs to deliver when it counts most.
New Zealand: The Underdogs Who Have Nothing to Lose
New Zealand are making their third World Cup appearance and their first since 2010, when they famously went unbeaten in the group stage, drawing all three matches to go out on goal difference. Nobody expected that. Nobody is expecting much from them again in 2026.
The All Whites qualified as OFC champions and are ranked 86th in the world. They have the lowest ranking in Group G and face Belgium, Egypt, and Iran — three teams with far greater World Cup pedigree. Their best chance of a point comes in the opening game against Iran, and potentially in the final group game against Belgium when the Red Devils may already have qualified.
Do not write them off entirely. Football has seen stranger things. But realistically, their job is to be competitive and avoid embarrassment.
Group G Prediction: Who Qualifies?
Belgium top the group. They have the quality, the experience, and the squad depth to win all three games if they focus. The only risk is complacency in the final group game against New Zealand once qualification is secured.
Second place is the real contest. Egypt vs Belgium on 15 June is Africa’s biggest game on opening matchday. If Salah can deliver a point or better against the Red Devils, Egypt are well-placed to advance. Iran, too, could spring a surprise. The Egypt vs Iran game on 26 June could come down to a straight shootout for second place.
The African Football Hub verdict: Belgium first. Egypt second. Iran miss out on a superior Iran record versus New Zealand. But if Salah is in top form, expect fireworks.
Why African Fans Must Watch Every Group G Game
Group G is the group where African football gets its moment on the global stage. Egypt carry seven AFCON titles and the weight of a continent’s expectations. Salah against De Bruyne. Marmoush against Courtois. These are marquee matchups that belong on the world’s biggest stage. Follow every game. Support the Pharaohs. And if Salah turns 33 on matchday one and scores against Belgium — remember you read it here first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams are in World Cup 2026 Group G?
Group G consists of Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. The group runs from 15 to 26 June 2026, with matches played across Seattle, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. Belgium are the top seeds and heavy favourites to win the group.
Can Egypt qualify from World Cup 2026 Group G?
Yes, Egypt have a genuine chance of qualifying. Their opener against Belgium on 15 June in Seattle is critical — a positive result there sets up a strong run. Egypt have the firepower, led by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, to make the Round of 32 for the first time in their history.
Who are Belgium’s key players at World Cup 2026?
Belgium’s biggest names are Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), who is expected to start every game as the playmaker, Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), their all-time leading scorer with 89 international goals, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid). Captain Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa) and winger Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) also provide serious quality across the squad.
Has Egypt ever won a match at the FIFA World Cup?
Egypt have not won a game at the modern World Cup. They appeared in 1990 and 2018 but were eliminated in the group stage on both occasions. Their 2026 campaign is their best opportunity yet to finally reach the knockout rounds, with Salah and Marmoush leading the attack.
Samuel Jegede is a passionate football writer and sports enthusiast dedicated to covering African football, World Cup 2026 developments, player profiles, match analysis, and breaking news for fans across Africa and beyond.